Lions players, cheerleaders and Roary were in attendance at BGCSM’s Diehl Club
DETROIT (August 15, 2023) – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) hosted a ribbon cutting of their new football field sponsored by the Detroit Lions. The field is dedicated for youth to have a new safe place to play football, flag football, exercise, host cheer practice and other events.
The day consisted of family friendly activities, food vendors, DJ and special performances from Packers and Gators Cheer Teams. 130 guests were in attendance including BGCSM staff, sports youth and families, Lion players and leadership, cheerleaders and Roary the Lion.
The new field will have a major impact on BGCSM initiatives and programming including the girl’s flag football program experience.
“A couple of years ago we sat with the Detroit Lions and dicussed our plan to rebuild youth sports,” said Shawn H. Wilson, president and CEO of BGCSM. “For them to step up and not only build one field but two fields – That’s powerful.”
The primary mission of the Detroit Lions Foundation is to support youth in Detroit through three areas of focus – Growing the Game, Developing the Child, and Player and Coach Initiatives.
“The late Nelson Mandela once said, sport has the power to change lives,” said Brain Facchini, the chief communications and brand officer for the Detroit Lions. “We’re thrilled to bring this field to life because we know this field too, will change lives.”
The Detroit Lions Foundation Grows the Game through the strategic partnership with BGCSM, by helping expand youth football and cheer programs.
Following the ribbon cutting, Chris Kyles, vice president of sports for BGCSM, offered closing remarks and a special thank you to all attendees.
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About Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan
Founded in 1926, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) serves 21,000 youth, families, and entrepreneurs annually in neighborhoods throughout Southeastern Michigan. BGCSM has reimagined the future of after-school programming by focusing on the root cause of issues facing our community, which is poverty. BGCSM’s mission is to ensure youth leave our Clubs career, start up and homeowner ready.
About the Detroit Lions Foundation
Through the Detroit Lions Foundation, Football Education, Player, Legend and Coach Initiatives, and Community Engagement efforts, the Detroit Lions are committed to leveraging the power of football for social good in the communities Lions fans call home. Inspired by our city’s grit and driven by our fans, we envision a Lions community where lives are positively impacted through the power of football.